Chinese chip kit shop passes around the hat

CHINESE CHIP-EQUIPMENT FIRM Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC) says it has banked some $43 million in promises, from capitalists eyeing chip-making opportunities in the populous republic.

Qualcomm and Samsung Venture Investment coughed up last, putting a final $8 million in the kitty for the firm to invest in its 65/45-nm node technologies.

The Shanghai firm makes proprietary etch and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems at 65/45-nm nodes and smaller.

It raised $35 million by October last year from investors such as Walden International, Goldman Sachs, Global Catalyst Partners and KT Venture Group. Today's investment brings the total to $43 million.

A spokesQualcomm said the investment, part of a commitment it made in June 2003 to invest up to $100 million in early- to mid-stage Chinese companies, would help, "bring more integrated and cost-effective chipsets to global manufacturers." µ

L'INQ
www.amec-inc.com